Guests at today’s celebration included the President of Tynwald, Clare Christian MLC who was Minister for the DHSS when Noble’s Hospital opened; and Bonnie Papper, who was the first baby to be born in Noble’s Hospital, accompanied by her mum Melanie and stepdad James. The Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK was also in attendance and announced the winner of a drawing competition which saw every primary school on the Island invited to encourage pupils to draw a picture about ‘their hospital’. The winner was Eve Wiltcher from Sulby Primary School, whose picture was selected by a panel of judges from over 200 entries. Eve and her mum, Tracey, joined-in with the Tea Party and Eve was invited to help the Minister cut the cake, which had been specially decorated with her winning drawing. Eve’s picture, along with the other entries, are being displayed in the hospital for patients and visitors to see.
Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK, said:
'It’s wonderful to be here today to join staff, patients and visitors in celebrating a real milestone in the hospital’s history. I remember that first day vividly, as I was Member of Health Services at the time, and escorted the first patient into the hospital along with the then Minister, Clare Christian. It’s remarkable how quickly the past decade has gone by, and how rapidly medical care is advancing – evidenced by the huge transformation the NHS has seen over the past 65 years. The NHS means a great deal to people both here in the Isle of Man and in the UK. It’s clearly a national treasure, cherished by all and a system in which we continue to invest for the future.
'Ten years on, Noble’s isn’t a new hospital anymore, and our first major extension work is now underway with a new neonatal unit. But make no mistake, Noble’s Hospital still provides high quality health services, and this hospital remains a facility of which the Island can be truly proud. I’d like to put on record my thanks to everyone, not only over the past ten years, but those who worked at the former Noble’s Hospital as well, producing such a positive legacy for future generations.'
Barbara Scott, Hospital Manager, said:
'It’s been a wonderful day and I think everyone has really enjoyed it – staff, patients and visitors alike. In such a busy environment, it’s important to take stock now and again and remember to celebrate our successes as well as acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. The dedication of hundreds upon hundreds of people has gone in to making our first ten years such a success – which I thank them all sincerely for – and I look forward to developing our services further to serve the people of the Isle of Man.'
Dr Amy Hedges, who is part of the staff team organising events to mark the anniversary, said:
'The idea for a tea party was to celebrate the hospital and thank the public, as well as recognise the people who make it a success.'
Mandy Cooper, a Diabetes Specialist Nurse who is also part of the organising team, said:
'We were really keen to get primary school children involved. As most pupils are aged 10 or under, the majority will have been born here at Noble’s Hospital – so we very much see Noble’s as their hospital and it seemed fitting to include them in the celebrations. We wanted to capture their views of Noble’s in the form of a drawing. The response was fantastic, and picking a winner was very difficult, but we really liked Eve’s work.'
Other events over the next 12 months will be designed to open up the inner workings of the hospital to the public, meet some of the people behind the scenes and emphasise the many different types of work undertaken.
